Crochet Rainbow Squishies Pattern: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide to the Cutest Squishy Toys Ever
If you’ve been scrolling through craft communities lately, you’ve probably noticed the explosion of squishy, chubby little rainbow amigurumi popping up everywhere. These delightfully round, soft, and colorful crocheted rainbows have taken the handmade toy world by storm, and it’s honestly not hard to see why. They’re satisfying to squish, irresistibly cute to look at, and surprisingly fun to make. Whether you’re crocheting one as a gift, a nursery decoration, a stress toy for your desk, or simply because the idea of a plump little rainbow made from yarn brings you joy, this crochet rainbow squishies pattern is exactly what you’ve been looking for.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to make your own crochet rainbow squishy from scratch. We’ll cover the materials, the stitches, the pattern itself row by row, and plenty of tips along the way to help you get that perfect squishy shape. Even if you’re a beginner who has just learned the basics of amigurumi, this pattern is approachable. And if you’re an experienced crocheter, you’ll love how quickly this little project comes together.
What Makes a Crochet Rainbow Squishy Different from Regular Amigurumi
Before we dive into the pattern, it’s worth taking a moment to understand what gives a rainbow squishy its distinctive look and feel. The magic is in two things: the shape and the stuffing.
Traditional amigurumi tends to have firm, structured shapes because the pieces are stuffed tightly with polyfill. A squishy, by contrast, is intentionally overstuffed and made with a slightly looser gauge than typical amigurumi. The result is a toy that yields when you press it and slowly springs back, much like the foam squishies sold in toy stores. To enhance that effect even further, many crocheters use a combination of regular polyfill stuffing and small polyfill pellets or micro beads to give the piece some heft and a denser squish.
The rainbow shape itself is made in two mirrored arch pieces that are sewn together and then stuffed before seaming is complete. This creates those lovely fat, rounded bands of color stacked together in a gentle arc. Some patterns create each color band separately and assemble them; others work the entire arch in one continuous piece by simply changing colors. This pattern uses a single continuous construction method, which keeps finishing work to a minimum and gives the color bands a clean, consistent look.
Materials You’ll Need
Getting your materials together before you start is always a good move. Here’s what you need for one crochet rainbow squishy measuring approximately 6 inches wide and 4 inches tall:
Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn in six colors. Traditional rainbow order is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet, but feel free to make a pastel version, a bold neon version, or any color combination that speaks to you. You don’t need much of each color — about 15 to 20 yards per color is more than enough.
Hook: A 3.5mm (E/4) crochet hook. Going slightly smaller than the yarn label recommends is intentional here — it tightens your stitches so stuffing doesn’t peek through, which is standard amigurumi practice.
Stuffing: One bag of polyester fiberfill and, if you want maximum squishiness, a handful of polyfill pellets or plastic craft pellets to add some weight and a firmer squish.
Notions: A yarn needle for sewing pieces together and weaving in ends, stitch markers to keep your place in the round, and scissors.
Optional: Safety eyes or small buttons if you want to give your rainbow a face. A 6mm pair of black safety eyes works beautifully for a small, subtle face. You can also embroider a simple smile with black yarn.
Abbreviations and Stitch Guide
This pattern uses US crochet terminology. Here’s a quick reference for the abbreviations used throughout:
MR — Magic ring
ch — Chain
sl st — Slip stitch
sc — Single crochet
inc — Increase (two single crochets in the same stitch)
dec — Invisible decrease (insert hook through front loops of next two stitches and complete as a single crochet)
BLO — Back loop only
FLO — Front loop only
st — Stitch
sts — Stitches
rnd — Round
Understanding the Construction
The rainbow squishy is worked in two identical arch-shaped panels. Think of it like a sandwich: you make the front, make the back, stuff it, and seam the edges together. Each panel is worked from the bottom center of the arch outward in rows, shaping the arc as you go and changing colors for each band. The flat bottom edge of the arch is where the two panels meet and are seamed together last.
If you’d like to add a face, attach your safety eyes to the front panel before you begin seaming the two pieces together — once it’s stuffed and closed, there’s no going back.
The Pattern: Front Panel (Make One)
You’ll begin at the bottom center of the arch and work upward through the color bands.
Color 1: Violet (innermost band)
Row 1: Ch 14. Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, sc across. (13 sts) Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc across to last st, inc in last st. (15 sts) Turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc across. (15 sts) Turn.
Row 4: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc across to last st, inc in last st. (17 sts) Turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc across. (17 sts) Turn.
At the end of Row 5, do not fasten off. Switch to Color 2.
Color 2: Blue
Row 6: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc across to last st, inc in last st. (19 sts) Turn.
Row 7: Ch 1, sc across. (19 sts) Turn.
Row 8: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc across to last st, inc in last st. (21 sts) Turn.
Row 9: Ch 1, sc across. (21 sts) Turn.
Switch to Color 3.
Color 3: Green
Row 10: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc across to last st, inc in last st. (23 sts) Turn.
Row 11: Ch 1, sc across. (23 sts) Turn.
Row 12: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc across to last st, inc in last st. (25 sts) Turn.
Row 13: Ch 1, sc across. (25 sts) Turn.
Switch to Color 4.
Color 4: Yellow
Row 14: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc across to last st, inc in last st. (27 sts) Turn.
Row 15: Ch 1, sc across. (27 sts) Turn.
Row 16: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc across to last st, inc in last st. (29 sts) Turn.
Row 17: Ch 1, sc across. (29 sts) Turn.
Switch to Color 5.
Color 5: Orange
Row 18: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc across to last st, inc in last st. (31 sts) Turn.
Row 19: Ch 1, sc across. (31 sts) Turn.
Row 20: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc across to last st, inc in last st. (33 sts) Turn.
Row 21: Ch 1, sc across. (33 sts) Turn.
Switch to Color 6.
Color 6: Red (outermost band)
Row 22: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc across to last st, inc in last st. (35 sts) Turn.
Row 23: Ch 1, sc across. (35 sts) Turn.
Row 24: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc across to last st, inc in last st. (37 sts) Turn.
Row 25: Ch 1, sc across. (37 sts) Turn.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming (about 18 inches). This is your front panel.
The Pattern: Back Panel (Make One)
Work the back panel exactly as you worked the front panel, using the same color order and row counts. Fasten off, leaving an 18-inch tail for seaming. Do not cut the tail until you’ve finished seaming.
Adding a Face (Optional)
Now is the time to add safety eyes if you want your rainbow to have a personality. Position them on the front panel in the green or yellow band, roughly centered horizontally and about two rows up from the lower edge of that band. A little asymmetry — one eye slightly higher than the other — can add a lot of charm. Press the safety eye posts through the fabric from the front and secure the washers firmly on the inside.
To add a smile, thread a length of black yarn onto your yarn needle and embroider a small curved line just below and between the eyes using a backstitch or stem stitch. Keep it gentle and slightly upturned at the corners for that happy little expression that makes handmade toys irresistible.
Seaming and Stuffing
Lay your two panels together with wrong sides facing each other and edges aligned. Thread your yarn needle with the long tail you left on the back panel.
Using whipstitch or mattress stitch, begin seaming along one of the outer curved edges (the red edge). Work your way around the entire curved perimeter of the arch, stopping when you’ve seamed about three quarters of the way around and leaving the flat bottom edge open for stuffing.
Before you close it up completely, stuff your rainbow squishy. Start with small pieces of polyfill, working them gently into the arch and pressing them into the colored bands to fill each section evenly. Don’t be shy here — squishies are meant to be stuffed generously. If you’re using polyfill pellets, place a small handful of them inside the stuffing at the center of the arch for added weight and that satisfying dense squish. Continue adding polyfill until the rainbow feels plump and rounded when you press on it, but the seam isn’t straining.
Once you’re happy with the stuffing, continue seaming along the flat bottom edge to close the piece completely. Knot your yarn securely on the inside, weave in all remaining ends, and trim.
Shaping Tips for the Best Squishy Effect
The stuffing stage is where you have the most control over how your finished rainbow looks and feels, so it’s worth spending a little extra time here. A few tips that make a real difference:
Work the stuffing in gradually rather than shoving in one large clump. Small pieces of polyfill distributed evenly throughout the arch give a much smoother, rounder surface than one dense central mass.
Pay special attention to the inner arch (the violet band) and the tips of the rainbow. These areas are easy to understuff, which can make the finished piece look deflated. Use a pencil eraser or the blunt end of your crochet hook to push small wisps of stuffing into tight corners.
If your rainbow squishy feels more firm than squishy after the first stuffing, try removing a bit of the polyfill and replacing it with polyfill pellets. The pellets shift and settle in a way that pure polyfill doesn’t, which contributes to that slow-return squeeze.
Color Variation Ideas
One of the most exciting things about this pattern is how completely different it looks depending on the color palette you choose. Here are some popular variations that have been making the rounds in crochet communities:
A pastel rainbow in soft pink, lavender, peach, mint, baby blue, and cream makes a gorgeous nursery decoration and pairs beautifully with neutral interior palettes. This version is especially popular as a baby shower gift.
A monochromatic gradient rainbow using five or six shades of the same color — say, ranging from the palest blush to a deep burgundy — creates a surprisingly sophisticated, modern look. It photographs beautifully and makes a lovely desk accessory.
A “rainy day” rainbow using blue, grey, and white tones is a cozy, understated version that appeals to people who love the handmade aesthetic but prefer muted colors.
For a bold, graphic look, try using high-contrast colors like black, white, and a single bright accent color. This style has a very modern, almost pop-art quality that photographs dramatically.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
My color bands look uneven. This usually happens when tension varies between color changes. Try to be consistent about how you introduce the new color — always complete the last pull-through of the final stitch in the old color with the new color yarn. A consistent approach to yarn carry also helps; always carry the unused yarn along the inside of the work rather than cutting and reattaching every time.
My rainbow looks lumpy after stuffing. Lumpiness is almost always a stuffing distribution problem rather than a tension problem. Gently work the lump with your fingers from the outside, coaxing the stuffing toward the thin areas. If a lump is stubborn, you can use a blunt tool to push through the fabric (without puncturing it) and redistribute the fill.
The two panels don’t line up perfectly. Minor misalignments are common and fixable. When seaming, use stitch markers to pin the key alignment points — the center top of the arch, the two bottom corners — before you begin sewing. This keeps everything symmetrical as you work.
My stitches show gaps. If you can see the stuffing through your stitches, your gauge is too loose. Try going down a hook size for your next make. You can also try working in the back loop only for the rows, which tightens the fabric slightly and gives a nice textured look as a bonus.
Finishing Touches and Display Ideas
Once your rainbow squishy is complete, you have a few finishing options that can take it from cute to absolutely polished. Blocking isn’t typically necessary or even advisable for stuffed amigurumi, but you can use a soft-bristled brush to gently fluff the surface of the yarn and give it a slightly more velvety texture.
If you want to display your rainbow squishy as a decorative item rather than a toy, consider adding a hanging loop. Cut a 6-inch length of yarn in any color, fold it in half, and use your crochet hook to pull the folded end through the top center of the arch from inside to outside, then draw the tail ends through the loop and pull snug to create a small lark’s head knot loop. You can hang it from a hook, a shelf peg, or even a bouquet of real or artificial flowers for a whimsical display.
For gifting, these rainbow squishies look beautiful tucked into a simple craft bag or wrapped in tissue paper with a handwritten tag noting the fiber content (important for gift recipients with allergies). A set of three in different colorways — classic rainbow, pastel, and gradient — makes an especially impressive handmade gift.
Why Crochet Rainbow Squishies Make Such Great Projects
There’s something deeply satisfying about a project that’s small enough to finish in a weekend but complex enough to feel genuinely accomplished when it’s done. Crochet rainbow squishies hit that sweet spot perfectly. The color changes keep things interesting so you never get bored working through rows, but the construction is simple enough that you can work on it while watching television or listening to a podcast without losing your place.
They’re also wonderfully economical. Because each color band uses so little yarn, this is a perfect stash-buster project. Those small remnants of worsted weight yarn that aren’t enough for a full project but feel too precious to throw away? This is exactly what they were waiting for.
And honestly? There’s something genuinely joyful about making something this cheerful. A plump little rainbow in your hands, soft and colorful and round — it’s hard not to smile. That might be the best reason of all to give this pattern a try.
Happy crocheting, and enjoy every squishy, colorful stitch.
